After raising Schnauzers and having both males and females, I have found somewhat of a difference in their demeanor.

I have found that males are more affectionate and loving. They are more laid back and they show little moodiness and are less prone to emotional swings. A male dog is always eager to please his owner. He takes very quickly to children and is accepting of other pets. Males love to be at the center of the action, and become a huge part of the family. You can rely on the male dog to be your best friend and loyal companion in any situation, and they will always be young at heart. If you neuter your male puppy around 4-6 months of age before he reaches maturity, he will not develop bad traits that give the male dog such a bad rap. For instance, he will not feel the need to hike his leg, hump or mark his territory. In fact most all males when neutered as puppies will squat just like their opposites and never lift a leg.

Females tend to be a pound or two smaller than the males at maturity. Female dogs can be emotional and sulk if they don’t get their way. Males just let it go, and move on. A female dog is more outgoing and wants to be in charge. She can have mood swings where one minute she is just as sweet as can be and the next minute a little grumpy and wanting to be left alone. Females usually rule the roost, determine pecking order, and compete to maintain and/or alter that order. The females are, as a result, more independent, stubborn, and territorial than their male counterparts. They are much more intent upon exercising their dominance. Most fights will usually break out between two females. Males, on the other hand, are usually more demanding of attention and are very attached to people. They also tend to be more steadfast, reliable, and less moody.

A couple of other things to consider are the cost of spaying/neutering. The cost of neutering is usually lower than spaying because the surgery is usually considered to be an easier procedure with a quicker recovery time. Spaying a female is a little more extensive because it is an invasive surgery which is why the cost is higher.

Either way you go, male or female, if it is a Schnauzer you can‘t go wrong. Just keep in mind every dog, male or female, has their own personality and is unique in every way. The differences that you see should not be based on gender. Both genders are very social and do wonderful with children. We love them both!

Keep an open mind when selecting your puppy. Don’t close the door on a puppy because of preconceived notions of gender, because you may be missing out on the best companion that you could have ever hoped to find.